Post-Classical Sardonyx Cameo with Helmetted Bust of Athena

Including standing figures and body parts. 156 grams total, 41-90 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Standing on an angular base resting his left knee on the open jaws of a fish, his left arm holding the jaws open, the body and tail held upright be the raised right hand (partly absent); with heavy sulphured patina. 20.75 kg, 48 cm



Acquired prior to 1970. From the estate of a Swiss gentleman, Ticino. Private collection, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12790-240308.

In ancient Roman art and architecture, fountains were often decorated with sculptures of young boys or putti holding fish. These sculptures were known as 'putti with fish' or 'boy with fish' and were a popular motif in the decoration of fountains. The young boy or putto was shown holding a fish or a shell, which would spout water into the fountain basin below. The fish was a particularly popular motif because it symbolised abundance, fertility, and prosperity, which were all important values in ancient Roman society. Overall, the putti with fish sculptures are a notable example of the art and architecture of ancient Rome and have continued to be an enduring symbol of beauty, abundance, and prosperity throughout the centuries. Archaeological excavations in Pompeii have revealed many examples of sculptures of putti with fish. The putti with fish sculptures from Pompeii were usually made of bronze, marble, or terracotta. They were often placed in the centre of the fountain, surrounded by other decorative elements such as flowers, plants, and other sculptures. Many of these putti with fish sculptures are now on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The museum also houses a famous mosaic of a putto with a fish, which was discovered in the House of the Faun in Pompeii. The putti with fish sculptures from Pompeii and those in the Naples Museum provide valuable insights into the art and culture of ancient Rome. They demonstrate the importance of beauty and abundance in ancient Roman society and offer a glimpse into the everyday life of the people who lived in Pompeii over two thousand years ago. In the 17th and 18th centuries these sculptures were imitated and used to decorate the fountains of royal palaces and palaces.

Rectangular in plan with openwork ornament to the underside, suspension bale, inset facetted panel with calligraphic text to each face. 53.2 grams, 78 mm



Private collection, UK.